Zagori – “Land behind the Mountains”
Zag1s Walking / HikingSelf guidedSmall Groups ZagoriSUMMARY
6 days/ 5 nights, self-guided, possible from May to October. The villages of Zagori are famous for their traditional stone architecture and their dominant position within steep mountains, their cobbled paths which connect them to each other and their old stone arched bridges stretched over rivers and streams. The very characteristic mountains of Gamila and Astraka, part of the Northern Pindus mountain range, dominate the region. Between Mount Astraka and Mount Stouros, the Vikos stream has carved out what is perhaps the deepest gorge in the world.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Zagori, “Land Behind the Mountains”. Traditional villages, paved paths and old arch bridges
You reach the Pindus National Park and the Zagori region, famous for its stone and slate villages, connected by cobbled paths and arched bridges. Your program starts at 12:00 noon in the village of Kipi with a light meal. Then you will hike along the wooded slopes and through the upper reaches of the Vikos River, from the village of Kipi via Vitsa to Monodendri. Depending on the arrival time, a walk through the traditional village to the chapel of Agia Paraskevi, offering a panoramic view of the Vikos Gorge, is possible. Overnight stay in Monodendri
- Hike 1, Kipi – Vitsa – Monodendri – Agia Paraskevi: approx. 10km, ↗620m ↙315m, 3h30min walking time, moderate
Day 2 – Is the Vikos Gorge the deepest in the world?
Today, you'll hike through the magnificent, wooded Vikos Gorge, from Monodendri to Mikro Papigo. Stretching for approximately 20km, it was listed in the Guinness Book of Records in 2007 as the deepest gorge in the world relative to its width. The main section of the gorge, extending between the villages of Vikos and Monodendri, reaches a depth of 1000m. Its high, sheer walls are impressive, dominated to the northeast by the Astraka Towers. You'll reach the source of the Voidomatis River, where you'll cross to the right bank to continue your hike to the traditional village of Mikro Papigo, at the foot of Mt Astraka.
- Hike 2, Monodendri – Vikos Gorge – Mikro Papigo: approx. 15,3km, ↗1110m ↙1210m, 7h walking time, moderate to demanding
Day 3 – Mt Gamila and its “Dragon Lake”
Ascent to the Astraka refuge. Continue the hike to Drakolimni, the “Dragon Lake”, located on a small plateau above a deep precipice and at the foot of Mount Gamila. Majestic landscape, with panoramic views towards the summit and other mountains of the Northern Pindus. It is also possible to climb the summit, before return to the refuge. Overnight stay at the refuge
- Hike 3, Mikro Papigo – Drakolimni – Astraka Refuge: approx. 11,4km, ↗1385m ↙450m, 6h walking time, moderate or
- Hike 3a, Mikro Papigo – Drakolimni – Gamila, 2497m – Astraka Refuge: approx. 20km, ↗2060m ↙1125m, 10h walking time, demanding
Day 4 – Crossing the “Large Pit”
From the Astraka refuge to the village of Tsepelovo. You cross the mountain valley of the "Large Pit" (Megas Lakkos) located between Mt Astraka and Mt Gamila: Scenic mountain landscape surrounded by several 2000m peaks! In this remote area, you rarely encounter other hikers. However, it is possible to spot a herd of chamois. Overnight stay in the traditional village of Tsepelovo
- Hike 4, Astraka refuge – Tsepelovo: approx. 13,4km, ↗445m ↙1270m, 5h walking time, moderate
Day 5 – The Beloi viewpoint and the Steps of Vradeto
From Tsepelovo via Vradeto to Kipi. The Beloi viewpoint offer the most panoramic view of the Vikos Gorge. Vradeto is connected to Kapesovo by the “Steps of Vradeto”, the most impressive old paved path of the hole Zagori area. Overnight stay in the traditional village of Kipi
- Hike 5, Tsepelovo – Beloi – Vradeto – Kapesovo – Kipi: approx. 17km, ↗820m ↙1135m, 6h walking time, moderate
Day 6 – Farewell!
Until 11:00 am, you can sleep in and enjoy a hearty breakfast in your traditional hotel in Kipi. Then it's time to continue your journey.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The traditional villages of Zagori
- The old cobbled paths and stone arch bridges
- The Vikos Gorge
- The hike to the Dragon Lake
- The majestic mountain landscape of the Pindus Range
TRAVEL NOTES
HIKING
- 5 hikes; difficulty level: moderate to demanding
- This trip is not necessarily for professional athletes, but for hikers who are reasonably fit and in good physical condition.
- Necessary equipment: hiking boots, hiking poles, day-pack, waterproof jacket; sleeping bag liner, headlamp, a pair of slippers and some warm clothes (for the night in the mountain hut); a food container and a cup (for picnics); individual pharmacy
LUGGAGE TRANSPORT
- During the hike, each participant carries a small day-pack containing the necessary items for the day. The rest of your belongings will be left at the hotel and transported by a vehicle reserved for the group.
- On the day of your stay at the mountain hut, you must bring your overnight gear.
ACCOMMODATION
- 4 nights in traditional hotels or guesthouses
- 1 night at the mountain hut: shared dormitory, communal toilets, cold water available for washing and drinking, bottled water to be purchased; bring your sleeping bag liner (blankets are available)!
MEALS
- Breakfast at the hotel/mountain hut; dinner at the hotel/mountain hut or tavern; for lunch, picnic or light meal; drinks are not included.
INCLUDED SERVICES
- 4 nights with breakfast in hotels or guesthouses in traditional villages
- 1 night in the mountain refuge, in a dormitory with shared bathrooms
- 4 dinners at the hotel or in a tavern
- 1 dinner at the mountain refuge
- 1 light lunch at a tavern on the first day
- 4 picnic baskets to take away
- Route descriptions with GPX files to follow
- Luggage transport (on the day of the mountain refuge, participants must curry the necessary items for the overnight stay)
- NOT INCLUDED in the price: Flights and transfers; travel insurance; drinks, tips, other extras
PRICES
- Price per person in a double/twin room from Kipi to Kipi for a group of 2 to 4 people: €620
- Price per person in a double/twin room from Kipi to Kipi for a group of 5 to 7 people: €500
- Single supplement: €140
- Price per person in a triple room from Kipi to Kipi for a group of 2 to 4 people: €580
- Price per person in a triple room from Kipi to Kipi for a group of 5 to 7 people: €460
- A guide for the group costs €300 per day (this includes his salary and all his expenses during the trip).
- Zagori
